Welcome to Edgewater
Nestled along Lake Michigan’s North Shore, Edgewater is a community filled with sandy beaches, beautiful green spaces, boutique retailers, and a wide variety of dining options. This area is made up of various neighborhoods including Andersonville, Lakewood-Balmoral, Edgewater Glen, Edgewater Beach, and Magnolia Glen.
Vintage lovers and antiquing aficionados flock to this neighborhood to browse the Edgewater Antique Mall, Broadway Antique Market, and Brownstone Antiques. Along Clark Street, you’ll find a number of art galleries and retail shops that feature local artists and Chicago-themed artwork.
And there are plenty of restaurants to tempt even the most adventurous foodie! A diverse array of cuisines await including, Ethiopian, Mediterranean, Chinese, French, Italian, Japanese, Thai, and Fine American, as well as a number of diners, burger joints, pizza parlors, and ice cream/custard shops.
Edgewater is also home to the Swedish American Museum, and you can spot evidence of the area’s Swedish history throughout the neighborhood.
And that isn’t all…Edgewater is dotted with storefront theaters where you can catch an independent performance in an intimate space.
As far as transportation goes, Edgewater is serviced by the Red line and multiple buses, making getting around a breeze. A long anticipated Peterson train station is being finished at the northwest corner of the neighborhood, which will provide even greater access downtown and through the north shore into Kenosha, WI.
Close proximity to Lake Shore Drive and the Lake Shore Path provide additional commuting options for drivers and bikers.
Edgewater Real Estate
Edgewater has a huge variety of building styles, but perhaps is best known for its eastern skyline of highrise apartment buildings, condominium complexes, and mid-rise homes. You’ll also find courtyard buildings, brick and greystone 2-3 flats, newer construction single family homes and townhouses, as well as charming historic mansions.
The northernmost stretch of Sheridan Road is one of the few areas of the city where residential buildings are built right next to the park and lake as Lake Shore Drive does not extend past Hollywood.
Lakewood-Balmoral was added to the list of National Historical Places in 1998 and homes here boast uniquely wide urban lots. Locals like to stroll down the tree lined residential street and marvel at the variety of architectural styles that include Arts & Crafts/Prairie, English Gothic, Colonial, Queen Ann, American 4-Square, and French Renaissance.
What to Do in Edgewater
- Go antiquing - Many treasures are to be found at Edgewater Antique Mall, Broadway Antique Market, and Brownstone Antiques. While the Andersonville Galleria has 3 floors of local artist works of all types and styles and many Chicago-themed works.
- Visit the beaches: Edgewater is home to several beaches, including Hollywood Beach, Kathy Osterman Beach, and Foster Beach, all of which offer stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline.
- Check out the greenery - Gethsemane Garden Center attracts people year round who are looking for a wide selection of plants along with expert advice.
- Grab some grub - Locals love eating burgers al fresco at Moody’s Pub and then walking down Broadway to get a frozen custard or shake at Lickety Split where you can select from an array of retro and candy toppings.
- Explore Andersonville: Andersonville is a vibrant neighborhood within Edgewater that is known for its unique shops, delicious restaurants, and historic architecture.
- Enjoy live music and classic cocktails - The neighborhood is home to the iconic Green Mill Jazz Club, which has been around since the 1900s. And it has a variety of other nightlife options, including bars, clubs, and live music venues.
- Bike or walk the lakefront trail: The lakefront trail spans several miles along the shores of Lake Michigan, and is perfect for a scenic bike ride or leisurely walk.
- Visit the Edgewater Farmers Market: Held every Saturday during the summer and fall months, locals enjoy stocking up on fresh, locally grown produce and handmade goods.
- Try a new cuisine: Edgewater has a diverse food scene, with options ranging from traditional American fare to international cuisine, including Ethiopian, Indian, and Vietnamese food. Uncommon Ground and Ethiopian Diamond are local favorites.
- Take in the art scene: Edgewater has several art galleries and studios, as well as public art installations throughout the neighborhood. The Edgewater Arts Festival, held annually in September, is a great way to see the local art scene in action.
